Rep. Ratcliffe Issues Statement on Meeting with President Trump

WASHINGTON, March 17 -- Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, issued the following statement on his meeting with President Trump to discuss repealing and replacing Obamacare:

"It's no secret that Obamacare is an unmitigated disaster that is collapsing right in front of us, and I couldn't agree more with President Trump that repealing it is not just an option - it's a necessity. As a Member of Congress, I'm proud to have a seat at the table as we move forward to carry out this important task on behalf of the American people.

"Today I had a productive discussion with President Trump about a number of conservative reforms to improve the proposed House Republican health care bill. I was particularly pleased that our discussion led to the president's support for creating optional Medicaid block grants; incentivizing the implementation of work requirements for able-bodied, non-disabled, childless adults; and preventing tax credits from being used to pay for elective abortions. These are strong, conservative wins that will substantially improve the bill.

"The president asked for my help in pushing these key reforms through, and I stand ready and willing to do just that. I see today's meeting as evidence that the system is working: Members of Congress and the president sitting around a table, having a serious conversation about how to improve legislation that will help the people we were elected to serve."